The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in the Eastern Cape has dismissed 14 officials for fraud, corruption and related misconduct as it intensifies efforts to root out abuse within the social grants system.
SASSA spokesperson Tabisa Nondwayi said 11 other officials are currently facing disciplinary hearings at various stages during the current financial year.
The agency said all cases have been referred to the South African Police Service for criminal investigation, while preservation orders have been sought to recover about R3 million in public funds.
Investigations uncovered internal fraud at several local offices, including Komani, Mdantsane, Idutywa, Libode, Mount Ayliff, Duncan Village, Zwide and eQonce. The cases involve the fraudulent approval of social grants, unlawful changes to beneficiaries’ bank account details and other irregular grant administration practices.
SASSA Eastern Cape Regional Manager Bandile Maqetuka said fraud against the agency amounts to stealing from the country’s poorest and most vulnerable citizens.
“We have both a constitutional and moral obligation to protect every cent entrusted to the Agency. We will not hesitate to take decisive disciplinary and criminal action against any official who abuses their position for personal gain. Our message is unequivocal: corruption has no place in SASSA, and anyone found guilty of defrauding the Agency will face the full might of the law,” Maqetuka said.
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